Pequea Valley School District (PVSD) families are invited to attend a presentation titled "Youth, Social Media & Mental Health" on Monday, Feb. 23, at the Pequea Valley Secondary School. The presenter will be Ryan Klingensmith, who will address topics such as how social media affects mental health, managing screentime and dealing with cyberbullying.

Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., and free dinner will be provided to PVSD families from 5:45 to 6:30 p.m. The presentation will follow from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Klingensmith's program is for adults only and targets parents and guardians of elementary and secondary school students.

Although he previously presented a program virtually, this will be the first time that Klingensmith has visited the school in person. "He presented a program two or three years ago, and it was very well received," noted school social worker Meredith Burnett. "At that time, the format was different. We did a round robin with different presentations, and almost everyone went to his presentation."

Child care will again be provided for this session as it was previously. "We had a number of high school students and adults who led activities, like coloring and crafts and games for children," said Burnett. "(Child care was provided) so it would not be a barrier for people to come."

Klingensmith, a licensed professional counselor and nationally certified counselor, is the founder of Shape the Sky, which provides educational programs for parents, school personnel, law enforcement and mental health professionals. Klingensmith has more than 25 years of experience working directly with children and teens. He has presented internationally on how social media, screen time and digital pressures can impact young people's mental health. To learn more, visit http://www.shapethesky.org.

During the program, Klingensmith will discuss TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram; practical, real-life strategies for parents; resources for cyberbullying; and technology contracts and setting expectations. "A technology contract would be between parents and the youths - what the usage expectations are and whatever the family would agree to," noted Burnett.

Burnett said the program is particularly relevant right now with the surge of technology and social media and its effect on students. "This generation of parents are the first to have to navigate youth having the world at their fingertips on smartphones and other devices, and this brings challenges for parents," she stated. "It's an important topic. There is a lot of information out there, but it's (important) to get good information."

Parents and guardians of students from other school districts are invited to attend, but the free dinner and child care will be limited to PVSD families. Preregistration is required for the dinner and the child care. To register, visit http://www.facebook.com/PequeaValleySchoolDistrict and search for the post on Feb. 5.

Adults who only want to attend Klingensmith's lecture do not need to register in advance.

Pequea Valley Secondary School is located behind the former Pequea Valley High School at 4033 E. Newport Road, Kinzers. Those with questions may email meredith_burnett@pequeavalley.org.